OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU ® ERSPECTIVE P June 13, 2014 OKAgFund endorses, supports OKFB calls for candidates in state elections comments on As the Oklahoma primary election ap- Greg Howard, HD 63; Will Fourkiller, HD Clean Water Act proaches on June 24, the OKAgFund recently 86; and Elise Hall, HD 100. expansion announced its endorsement of 21 candidates The OKAgFund made contributions to running for election in state Senate and several statewide candidates, including Gov. House races. Mary Fallin, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Attorney Oklahoma Farm Bureau urges members The OKAgFund, Oklahoma Farm Bu- General Scott Pruitt, State Treasurer Ken to comment on the expansion of the Clean reau’s political action committee, is made up Miller, Insurance Commissioner John Doak Water Act through the proposed Waters of OKFB members from across the state who and Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. of the U.S. rule. The proposed rule would identify candidates who demonstrate beliefs The OKAgFund contributed to the fol- remove the word “navigable” from the Clean and actions that are consistent with OKFB lowing Senate campaigns: Josh Brecheen, SD Water Act, expanding the EPA’s regulatory policies, regardless of political affiliation. 6; Eddie Fields, SD 10; John Sparks, SD 16; reach beyond “navigable” waters. It would While the OKAgFund contributes financially Stephanie Bice, SD 22; Anthony Sykes; SD open potential regulation for ditches, ponds, to several state campaigns, an endorsement 24; Rick Brinkley, SD 34; Bill Brown, SD 36; waterways, streams that only have water in is the highest level of support the committee and Ralph Shortey, SD 44. them for short periods of time, and other gives to select candidates. The OKAgFund also contributed to the localized waters that are non-navigable. “Agriculture is one of Oklahoma’s top following House campaigns: John Bennett, A link to the comment page and more producing industries, and it is essential that HD 2; Mike Brown, HD 4; Chuck Hoskin, information about the proposed rule is avail- our legislators understand and are sympathetic HD 6; Ben Loring, HD 7; Earl Sears, HD able at www.okfarmbureau.org. Some sample to the issues affecting the state’s farmers and 11; Ed Cannaday, HD 15; Donnie Condit, text is provided; however, it is recommended ranchers,” said John Collison, OKFB vice HD 18; Bobby Cleveland, HD 20; Charles that members share their own stories on president of public policy and media relations. McCall, HD 22; Terry O’Donnell, HD 23; how the rule would negatively impact them. Oklahoma Senate candidates receiving an Justin Wood, HD 26; Kevin Wallace, HD 32; The comment period ends Oct. 20. endorsement from the OKAgFund include Dennis Casey, HD 35; Ralph Meade, HD 38; Adoption of the proposed rule would Mark Allen, SD 4; Curtis McDaniel, SD 5; John Pfeiffer, HD 38; Aaron Stiles, HD 45; expand the EPA’s regulatory authority on Brian Bingman, SD 12; Frank Simpson, SD Pat Ownbey, HD 48; Tommy Hardin, HD water to unprecedented levels. Many farm- 14; Kim David, SD 18; A.J. Griffin, SD 20; 49; Scott Biggs, HD 51; Harold Wright, HD ing and ranching practices could require and Jason Smalley, SD 28. 57; Jeff Hickman, HD 58; Mike Sanders, government approval thorough a complex Oklahoma House candidates receiving an HD 59; Dan Fisher, HD 60; Pam Peterson, series of federal permitting and regulations. endorsement from the OKAgFund include HD 67; Katie Henke, HD 71; David Derby; From American Farm Bureau’s analysis James Lockhart, HD 3; Wade Rousselot, HD HD 74; Dan Kirby, HD 75; Randy Grau, of the proposed rule: “For example, normal 12; George Faught, HD 14; Jerry Shoemake, HD 81; Randy McDaniel, HD 83; Jason farming and conservation activities, such as HD 16; Josh Cockroft, HD 27; Tom Newell, Nelson, HD 87; Jon Echols, HD 90; Mike fencing, brush management and pruning HD 28; Sean Roberts, HD 36; John Enns, Christian, HD 93; Scott Inman, HD 94; shrubs and trees, were exempted by Con- HD 41; Scott Martin, HD 46; Mark Charlie Joyner, HD 95; Michael Rogers, HD gress and have never required permits under McBride, HD 53; Casey Murdock, HD 61; 98; and Gary Banz, HD 101. the Clean Water Act. EPA and the Corps would now require farmers and ranchers to meet otherwise voluntary Natural Resources Recent rains have delayed wheat harvest across much of the state, Conservation Service standards for these ev- but not before District 4 Director Jimmy Wayne Kinder began cutting eryday normal farming activities and volun- in fields near Walters. Kinder was hoping to average approximately 20 tary conservation practices, or else face Clean bushels an acre about halfway through his harvest. Water Act liability. By linking the normal farming exemptions to NRCS standards, the rule would make voluntary conservation standards subject to EPA enforcement.” For more information about the proposed rule or making a comment, contact Marla Peek at [email protected] or Wheat harvest begins (405) 523-2437. Member Benefits Bond joins OKFB Save the date for • Hertz Rent A Car offers OKFB field services OKFB Commodity members several special offers, includ- ing one car class upgrade, $10 off Conference weekly rental, up to $15 off a weekly Brady rental or a free child seat on a weekly Bond of rental. Call 1-800-654-3131 and use Garber is The OKFB Commodity Committee will the Hertz/OKFB recap CDP#314386 Oklahoma host an organizational meeting, July 7, at to make reservations. Farm Bu- the home office in Oklahoma City. Mem- reau’s new bers are invited to attend the program to OKFB highlights a benefit in each northwest learn more about the role of Farm Bureau issue of Perspective as a reminder of the field rep- commodity committees and to discuss ideas savings available to OKFB members. resentative. for the future of the OKFB Commodity Find a complete list of savings online Bond started Committee. at www.okfarmbureau.org/benefits. his position “This is an opportunity for members with OKFB to talk about their needs as producers and June 2. what resources the commodity committee “This is can provide to help them in their opera- OKFB Calendar an exciting tions,” said Todd Honer, OKFB director opportunity Brady Bond of commodities and safety services. “We Oklahoma Youth Leading to promote would like to get input from members Agriculture Conference agriculture and Farm Bureau’s mission to across the state so we can begin to make a June 23-26 • Oklahoma City protect rural Oklahoma,” Bond said. “I’m roadmap for the committee.” Contact: Holly Carroll (405) 530-2681 looking forward to building relationships Program topics on Monday afternoon with the members in this area and helping will include overviews on how commodity OKFB Summer Conference create an even stronger organization.” committees are utilized in other states and July 11-12 • Midwest City Bond graduated from Oklahoma State on the national level. Members will also Contact: Marcia Irvin (405) 523-2405 University with a degree in agricultural have the chance to learn more about how education and taught at Garber High unmanned aerial systems are improving OSU Big 3 Field Days School for three years. He also runs cattle precision agriculture. July 15-17 • Stillwater near Garber. Bond can be reached at For more information about the confer- Contact: Holly Carroll (405) 530-2681 [email protected] or (580) 542-8189. ence or to RSVP, contact Honer at (405) 523-2391 or [email protected]. Oklahoma Farm Bureau Online Monitor the latest Farm Bureau and agricultural news and information online at okfarmbureau.org. Currently online: • Agricultural News – Oklahoma Farm Bureau features a new agriculture-related story every day on its site. Read about both AFBF and state Farm Bureau news by visiting Rep. Mark McBride (left) and the homepage. Rep. Jon Echols (right) recognize the Oklahoma Farming and • OKFB Harvest Watch Blog – Ranching Foundation for donating The annual OKFB Harvest Watch funds to Shelter Oklahoma Schools blog season is underway. Visit after last year’s deadly tornados. www.okfarmbureau.org and click on OKFB President Tom Buchanan www.okfarmbureau.org the OKFB Harvest Watch link to accepts the honor on behalf of follow families from the Oklahoma the foundation, May 29. Look for a Farm Bureau Young Farmers and story in the digital summer issue of Ranchers Committee. Oklahoma Country that discusses how the Shelter Oklahoma Schools funds have been used. 2 OKFB recognizes legislators for WRRDA supporting rural Oklahoma The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Brian Bingman, Larry Boggs, Cliff Branan, Directors today announced the 2014 OKFB Corey Brooks, Bill Brown, Kim David, Ed- 100 Percent Club members. The award is die Fields, A.J. Griffin, Constance Johnson, based on a 100 percent voting record on key Clark Jolley, Ron Justice, Kyle Loveless, Bryce Farm Bureau legislative measures during the Marlatt, Al McAffrey, Susan Paddack, Mike 2014 Oklahoma legislative session. Schulz, Ralph Shortey and John Sparks. “This honor is given to those legislators In the House, the list includes 23 who support Farm Bureau’s mission to pro- representatives: John Bennett, Scott Biggs, tect personal property rights, keep taxes low David Brumbaugh, Donnie Condit, David and boost agricultural and rural business,” Derby, Dale DeWitt, John Enns, Kay said John Collison, OKFB vice president Floyd, Elise Hall, Mike Jackson, Skye Mc- of public policy and media relations. “We Niel, Jason Murphey, Tom Newell, Leslie greatly appreciate their leadership at the Osborn, David Perryman, Brian Renegar, state Capitol this year.” Sean Roberts, Mike Sanders, Seneca Scott, The following 20 senators received the T.W. Shannon, Jerry Shoemake, Jason designation: Mark Allen, Don Barrington, Smalley and Mike Turner. ABOVE – U.S.